Orm's body sagged further against Ling, and that was all it took to snap Ling into action."No, no, no," Ling murmured, her voice filled with panic. She gently lifted Orm into her arms, cradling her as though she were the most fragile thing in the world."You're going to be okay," Ling said firmly, though her voice wavered. "I've got you. Just hold on."Ling stood, her legs steady despite the weight in her arms and the ache in her chest. She turned and shot one last glare at Phon, who was still on the ground, watching in silence."You're lucky I don't finish you off right here," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Stay out of our lives, or I'll make you wish you never met her."Without waiting for a response, Ling adjusted her grip on Orm and started walking as fast as she could.By the time she reached the campus gates, Ling was panting, but she didn't slow down. She spotted a cab waiting nearby and practically shouted, "Hospital! Now!"The driver, alarmed by the urgency in her voice and the sight of the injured girl in her arms, nodded quickly. Ling climbed into the back seat, carefully adjusting Orm so that her head rested in Ling's lap.As the car sped toward the hospital, Ling gently stroked Orm's hair, her other hand gripping Orm's cold fingers tightly.The smell of antiseptics and medicines hung heavy in the air as Ling sat beside Orm in the infirmary. Orm's face was bandaged, the white gauze covering the cut on her cheek and the bruising around her nose. Her eyes were tired, but there was a spark of relief in them as she held Ling's hand tightly, as if anchoring herself.Ling's heart ached at the sight of Orm, so fragile yet still managing a faint smile."I'm sorry," Orm said softly, breaking the silence.Ling frowned. "For what? You didn't do anything wrong."Orm shook her head. "For dragging you into this mess. For putting you in a position where people are criticizing you just because… because of me."Ling tightened her grip on Orm's hand, her voice firm. "Stop. Don't ever say that again. This isn't your fault, Orm. I know the truth now. Phon tried to frame you, and that nerdy guy's lies? I know they were part of his plan. None of this is on you."Orm's eyes watered, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Ling, you don't understand. They're saying horrible things about you.""I don't care what they're saying," Ling said firmly. "Let them talk. Let them judge. There's nothing wrong with being in love with a girl. There's nothing wrong with being who I am. And I'm not leaving your side, no matter what."Orm's lips trembled as she let out a soft laugh, wiping her tears with her free hand. "You're amazing, you know that?"Ling smirked. "I know."Orm chuckled weakly but quickly grew serious. "But for now… let's just deny it. Say it's all a rumor Phon started. We don't need this affecting your election."Ling raised an eyebrow. "Deny it? You mean lie?"Orm nodded. "It's not forever. Just until this blows over. I'm sure Phon will take the blame after the beating he got today."Orm smirked again, "By the way, I didn't know you could beat someone to death for me."Orm grinned. "I mean, you were like some action hero out there. It was kind of cool."Ling leaned closer, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Don't underestimate me, Orm. I can also beat you like that if you ever do something wrong."Orm turned red, looking away. "I'll be nice from now on, I promise."Ling laughed, her hand brushing lightly over Orm's bandaged cheek. "Good. But seriously, you'd better not scare me like this again."Orm gave her a soft smile, squeezing Ling's hand. "I'll try. But thank you… for everything."When Ling and Orm arrived home, they found Sia and Tina waiting for them in the living room, arms crossed and looking unimpressed."This is the second time," Tina said, pointing an accusing finger at them. "The second time you two have caused chaos at college. Do you have any idea how big the gossip is this time? Everyone's talking about Ling this and Ling that, and right before the election!""Tina, let them sit first," Sia interrupted, rolling her eyes.Ling raised an eyebrow. "Yes, let's sit. Orm's too weak to stand much longer.""Hey!" Orm protested, but Ling only smirked as they both sank onto the couch.Once seated, Tina turned to Ling with wide eyes. "Wait, hold on. Orm said you beat up Phon? Seriously? The number one athlete in our college?"Orm grinned mischievously. "Oh, she did. She was amazing. You should've seen her—punching like bam! pow! wham!" Orm mimicked exaggerated fight moves, pretending to punch the air.Sia raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure Ling did that and not you?"Ling stuttered, her cheeks reddening. "W-well, it was like—"Orm, noticing Ling's hesitation, quickly interrupted. "Nope, it was all her. I was just the audience. I wanted to help, but, you know, I ended up getting hit instead."Tina and Sia exchanged looks, then burst out laughing."Well, Ling, I have to say, I'm impressed," Tina said, clapping her hands. "But we need to sort this out now. You might've taught Phon a lesson, but we need to repair your reputation before the election."Sia leaned forward, her expression serious. "I'm the admin of the college news page. I'll post about Ling's heroic act and let everyone know about Phon's behavior. We'll make sure the truth comes out."Orm nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I'll help spread the word too! And Ling, maybe you can ask Harry to share it—he's got a lot of influence with the juniors."Ling's face darkened. "No. Count Harry out. He was part of this. He tried to frame you for everything, Orm."Sia and Tina frowned, confusion etched across their faces."Wait, what? That makes no sense," Tina said. "What are we missing?"Orm quickly waved her hands, forcing a laugh. "Oh, nothing! Don't worry about it. I'll spread the news myself!"Sia and Tina exchanged another glance, clearly unconvinced but willing to let it go for now."Fine," Tina said with a shrug. "I'll spread the word through my contacts, and I'll tell Nod to help too.""Count me in as well," Sia added. "Let's make Ling the president before we graduate."At that, the room fell quiet. Orm, Ling, and Tina turned to look at Sia, who suddenly seemed a little emotional."You're graduating soon," Ling said softly, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and respect."Yeah," Tina added, her smile bittersweet. "This is our last year. But before we go, we want to see you win, Ling."Orm blinked, her own eyes stinging with unexpected emotion. "You guys…"Ling smiled, though her chest felt heavy. "I'll make sure to win. For all of us."Sia and Tina nodded, and for a moment, the room was filled with a quiet, heartfelt sense of camaraderie.